Lamp



July 14, 1959 n. v. HowARTH l l 2,894,693.

v f LAMP i Filed sept. 24, 1957 Y v 1 s sheets-sheet 1 P .4 @Lf I v wmwwwff a wld Hoa/arf@ July 14, 1959 D, v, HOWRTH l 2,894,693 j LAMP Filed'sept. 24, 1957 s sheets-sheet 2 N 'Y Dwz/ I/,KHM/affa United States Patent O 2.824.693 LAMB 'David Howarth, La Crescenta, Calif., assigner to Nat- AANuril Lighting '(oiporatioii, Glendale', Calif., a icrpof- .This .inmitten .relates generally .t .lamp musings. and .Imre sp.. Gally 'te a housing having an mrzraved lamp retainer .Clin .or Split-ring ,ilicelgoreted therein although the. prugles .0f the. present invention may .be Inglesi in various lamps, e particularly .useful applica 11 is. made. .in housings that .employ .sealedfbeam lamp.- ;lu Ragtigular. prei/isbn must .be made for `easy .installation and .removal af Such lamps .from 4the housing. Furthermore, heretofore it has been necessary to .employ several ditereut housings .Where lamps having .different physical sizes were to be used.

The present invention contemplates the utilization of a .housing .which receives a lamp therein, the lamp being held in position Aby a removable clip whichl engages vboth the housing and the lamp. Further, the lamp-.engaging portion of the retainer ring is .so constructed .that lamps ,of .yarious overall lengths may be retained in a given housing using the Asame fastening means. Still further, when lamps o f diiierent sizes are substituted, not `.only `doens .the length Yry, but also .the Width ,of the diameter .thereef varies.

Accordingly, it is .an object yof .the .present invention .to provide a lamp housing for the ,reception of lamps, such .as Sealed'fbeam lamps.

Another object yof the present invention is to provide a lamp housing wherein `the lamp may ,be readily installed o r removed `without the use of tools.

, A still further ,object .of Athe instant .invention is the provision in a .lamp housing of means for rotating the illumination pattern. A

Yet another .object of thepresent invention to provide a lamp housing .wherein .lamps fhaving different envelope dimensions may be selectively installed, in the alternative. n

Many .other advantages, features and additional robjects .of .the .present invention iwilllbecome manifestfto those versed .the .art .upon mak-ing reference to the de tailed description andthe accompanying sheets of drawings Iin .which a .preferred structural 'embodiment incorporatingthe principles of .the present invention is shown by way of .illustrative example.

,-On the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a lamp housing constructed' in yaccordance with the principles of' the present invention;V u i' Figure Z'is an enlarged view taken along lines Il-d-II of Figure'-l; i v 'i 1 i 'i i .Figure 3 is a slightly reduced view of a lamp retainer ring or clip, also show n partlyin Figure Y Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional View, partly in elevation -and taken along -linelVl-V of Figure A2; and i '.Figure 5 is similiar .to Figure 4 eirceptcthat the lamp housing is shown to include a smaller lamp unit. i

As shown in the drawings: i i u -The principles of thisinvention` are particularly useful when embodied in a lamp housing assembly such' as .ice

illustrated in Figure 1, generally indicated by the numeral 10. The housing includes a case 11 which typically is supported on a trunnion 12, having'a pair of locking lgnobs 13 for securing .the relative angular position between the case 11 Vand the trunnion 12. The .trunnion 12 may be supported on any convenient pin or stand (not shown) and locked thereto by a .third locking knob 14. i

rReferring now to Figure 2, there is shown a view of the housing assembly 10, looking into vthe interior of tlie case 11 where an electriclamp 15 is disposed. l'The case 11 carries a lampV retaining ring generally indicated aft 16 which has a plurality tif-fingers 17 and '18'for' engaging the lamp 15 and vholding it in position in a manner more fully set out later herein. i i -Figure 3 shows the lamp retaining split-ring 16 removed from'the housing. 'i The lamp retaining clip '16 preferably comprises're'silient material having-a free size 'slightly larger than 'that provided by the case 11 for engaging with the clip 16. As yshown in Figure 3, the clip 16 is iin its free mmm-constrained condition. The clip includes a pair of parallel spaced ends 1.9, Y19 whereby the clip 16 may-be constrained to a smaller oVeralld-imension, such` as Aby the manual movement of the ends 19 toward each other, Wherebythe clip 16 maybe installe or removed from engagement with the case A11.

The lingers A17 compriseone set of fingers while 'the lingers '1S comprise aI Asecond set of iing'ers. Both of these sets of iingers are secured rigidly 'to the clip I6 'and'extend from" the main portion thereof Iin an inward or radial direction. The bight'vor inner end ofveach of Ithe fingers of each of the sets terminates in a substantially Iuniform vaxial distance from the'plane of the clip 16, 'whereby the inner or" distal ends .of each of ythe iin- 'gers defines a 'plane which is substantially parallel [to the main portion of the'clip '16, at least one of such planes being *spaced axially from the body of the c lip'16. Where both of the`sets lof llingers are axially displaced from the plane of the clip 16, it is preferable thattlie pl-anedened by the ends rof the lingers 17'b`e spaced axially from the plane of the clip 1,6"by a distancewhichisdiiferent lfrom that of "the plane deiined by the'ends'f Vthe lingers 18- Also, pre-"erably, the individual lingers A17 and 18 comprise 'resilient material whereby theyA mayy returnably yield withresp'ectft'o the clip '16 ina generally'ifaxial diretion:

Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown a further? enlarged cross-sectional view of 4the `lamp housingfl. 1a"thisj"'emaiar; the cage 11 isgeheraiiyicy and instappen ad tzoftuQngh w'hteihjfh van A 1S andthe rclipwl" are l`insert'eld"'and removed. course, it'iis' through the' open end 20v that from th lamp 15 passes." 'Withinthe'fc'ase v111,` lthere isf a receiving ^z,oiie"2`1,` generally occupiedbytheV f `5. Itfcanfbe seen that th'lair'ip receiving zone (21 is spaced inwardly from'thefopen'neiid 20', arid that it cates with the open end y20'. AAThe'lampreceivingzi'ie '21 includes',twoconceritric or generally concentric ally spaced portions Y2.2'Aa'ng'i23id e'iine'd by the v11 and joined togethr'by an intermediate'portiori'm.""Since the 'inner paraba 2s fegalaner'thanjnie quei `pgitii 22', thecase being `cylindrical,'"th`e` receiving thus -deiined is(` generally r'ustolconical y having its principal'radial'dime sion received" by wider portion 22'oaf'theflarnpfrecelving 'YZ-Que 2.1i.v i 'The case 'nisv adapted interradiatthe open en d ,2,9 andthe lam-p' receiving zone 21`t'o'nreceive "the In the instantv structureftli'e ycase 1v1 I s .,invy opening g'rt'iove eitending annularly about th er? CNH@ ai? .1.1 .lfl'fsiecsfl gelati@ 'te .thee

'p ...n 20. It is preferable that the groove be spaced or set back from the open end 2.0 by an amount which permits the reception, as shown in Figure 4, of the resilient fingers 17 of the clip 16 Within the confines of the case 11, whereby the fingers 17 do not protrude therefrom and cause interference with other accessories (not shown) which rnay be conventionally used with the lamp housing.

The case 11 is provided with a plurality of louvers 26 disposed circumferentially about the case. Also, the case 11 has an opening through which a grommet 27 and an electrical cable Z8 extend to communicate with a switch 29 and a connector 30.

The connector 3o is slidably engageable in an axial direction with a means for rotating the connector, generally indicated at 31, which means extends outwardly through the case 11 to a manual rotating knob 32. Thus the knob 32 may be threaded on a stub shaft 33 which extends through the case 11. To the inner headed end of the shaft 33, there is rigidly secured a generally U-shaped bracket or yoke 34 which has a pair of arms removably surrounding opposite sides of the connector Si), the arms in the instant embodiment being divergingly tapered from the shaft 33. Further, a spring may be included if desired to act between the means 31 and the case 11 to insure rotational driving engagement of the bracket 34 with the connector 30, and to thereby urge the means 31 toward the connector 3i) and the open end Ztl of the case 11. The connector 30 is normally axially spaced as shown from the head of the bolt 33, which is yieldably biased by the spring 35. Thus it can be seen that the lamp 15 may be mounted between the resilient fingers 18 and the inherently resilient spring 35. ln the instant embodiment, the knob 32 has been advanced on the shaft 33 to take up a substantial amount of the back play or slack in the means 31. Thus the means 31 are secured to the case 11 and are journalled therein and have rotational driving engagement with the connector Sti. The means 31 also provide an axial support for the connector Sti, which in turn communicates with the cable 23 and the switch 29.

The detailed construction of the lamp is not a part of the instant invention and need not be disclosed herein. For purposes of identity, however, the lamps illustrated herein are commercially available as Par 56 and 64 aircraft approach lights, and have sealed beam construction substantially similar to that used in present day automobiles. The lamp includes a base 36 which has means, for example two prongs, for establishing electrical connection between the lamp 1S and the connector 3i), and which means precludes relative rotation therebetween.

It can be seen that the lamp 15 is normally supported in an axial direction by and between the fingers 18 and a shoulder in the intermediate portion 24 of the case 11, and in a radial direction, by the portion 22 of the case 11 with the connector 3i) removably slidably received in the bracket 34. The lamp element can be expected to produce an asymmetrical pattern, the rotation of which under certain circumstances is desirable. Accordingly, since the knob 32 is locked to the shaft 33 in any convenient manner (not shown), the lamp 15 may be directly manually rotated by the knob 32.

Referring now to Figure 5, the lamp housing of Figure 4 is again shown, but wherein the lamp 15 has been replaced by a second lamp 4t) having a smaller diameter which engages with the narrower portion 23 oi the case 11. The lamp has a shorter overall length, particularly apparent by comparing the integral base 36 with the base 41. The lamp 40 is held in position by the rotating and supporting means 31 as described in connection with Figure 4. However, the clip 16 has been inserted in a selectively reversible position, wherein the longer and axially extending ngers 17 now act on the face of the lamp 40 to resiliently support it.

Thus the instant embodiment of this invention can support at least two different `size lamps, alternatively and selectively. The lamps specifically identified above, for purpose of example, have diameters of 7 and 8 inches and differ in length from the face of the lamp to the innermost part of the base by a distance reflected substantially in the relative axial spacing of the set of lingers 17 with respect to the set 18. A snug fit between each of the lamps 15 and 40 and the case 11 is neither desirable nor necessary, and variations in length between nominally identical lamps are compensated for by the yieldable urging of the various fingers 17 and 18, together with the spring 35.

The resulting structure is exceedingly adaptable to various uses, both indoor and outdoor, and has particular usefulness in photographic work, where the change of lamp sizes, and hence lamp intensity needs to be effected relatively often. lt will be noted that the change can be made without the use of any hand tool whatever, either to replace a burned out bulb or lamp, or to exchange the lamp for one of a different size. It is to be understood that in a preferred embodiment, both sets of lingers 17 and 18 are employed. However, when one of the sets of fingers 17 or 18 is omitted, a highly advantageous structure results, which meets certain objects of the instant invention.

Therefore, although various minor modifications might be suggested by those versed in the art, it should be understood that l wish to embody within the scope of the patent warranted hereon all such embodiments as reasonably and properly come Within the scope of my contribution to the art.

I claim as my invention:

1. A lighting structure comprising in combination: a case having an open end, said case having a lampreceiving zone spaced from and communicating With Said open end; a lamp directly supported by said housing in said zone and positioned therein to direct light through said open end; and a generally circular split retaining clip, said clip being resiliently biasesd against and supported by an integral portion of said case, said portion being intermediate said open end and said lamp-receiving Zone, said clip having a plurality of iingers extending radially of said open end and engaging the face of said lamp in an axial direction, said clip comprising the sole means precluding axial displacement of said lamp from said Zone toward said open end of said case.

2. A lighting structure comprising in combination: a case having an open end, said case having a lamp-receiving zone spaced from and communicating with said open end; a lamp directly supported by said housing in said zone and positioned therein to direct light through said open end; a generally circular split retaining clip, said clip being resiliently biased against and supported by an integral portion of said case, said portion being intermediate said open end and said lamp-receiving Zone, said clip having a plurality of fingers extending radially of said open end and engaging the face of said lamp in an axial direction, said clip comprising the sole means precluding axial displacement of said lamp from said zone toward said open end of said case; an electrical connector attached to and supported by said lamp; and means rotatably journalled in and extending through said case, the inner end of said means having axially slidable rotational driving engagement with said connector for selective manual rotation of said lamp.

3. A lighting structure comprising in combination: a. case having an open end, said case having a lamp-receiving zone spaced from and communicating with said open end; a lamp directly supported by said housing in said zone and positioned therein to direct light through said open end; a generally circular split retaining clip, said clip being resiliently biased against and supported by an integral portion of said case, said portion being intermediate said open end and said lamp-receiving zone, said 4 Jh www clip having a plurality of lingers extending radially of 4said Open end and engaging the face of said lamp in an axial direction, 'said clip comprisingthe sole means preclud- -ing axial displacement of said lamp from said zone ltoward lsaid open end of said case; an electrical connector attached lto and supported by said lamp; means rotatably journalled in and extending through said case, the inner end of said means having axially slidable rotational driving engagement with said connector for selective manual rotation of said lamp; and a spring continuously acting between said inner end of said means and said case, and urging said inner end of said means toward said connector; whereby the light pattern of the lamp may be rotated with respect to the case.

4. A housing for an electric lamp, comprising in combination: a unitary case having an open end, said case having a lamp-receiving zone spaced from and communicating with said open end; peripheral groove means in said case disposed intermediate said open end and said lamp-receiving zone, said groove means opening inwardly of said case; and a lsplit lamp-retaining spring-clip having a free size, said clip being selectively receivable in said groove means, and being constrained thereby and therein to a size less than its free size, said clip having a plurality of lingers extending in a direction generally across said open end for engaging only the face of the lamp, said lingers being so constructed and arranged as to preclude axial displacement of the lamp from said case zone toward said open end of said case.

5. A housing for an electric lamp having prong terminals, comprising in combination: a case having an open end, said case having a lamp-receiving zone spaced from and communicating with said open end; an electrical connector for attachment to the lamp terminals; a spring operative to urge said connector toward said open end; and a lamp-retaining clip engaging said case intermediate said open end and said lamp-receiving zone, said clip having a plurality of resilient lingers extending transversely to said open end and constructed and arranged for yieldably engaging the lamp face to urge the lamp terminals into said connector and to load said spring, whereby the lamp may be resiliently supported in said case in the direction of the axis of said open end.

6. A housing for an electric lamp, comprising in combination: a case having an open end, said case having a lamp-receiving zone spaced from and communicating with said open end; and a reversible lamp-retaining clip engaging said case intermediate said open end and said lamp-receiving zone, said clip having two sets of fingers extending transversely to said open end for alternatively engaging only the face of the lamp, said sets extending substantially dilerent distances in the direction of said open end, said lingers of each of said sets being so constructed and arranged that one of said sets precludes movement of the lamp from said zone, whereby either of two lamps of dilerent length may be alternatively, axially held in said zone by one of said sets of lingers.

7. A housing for an electric lamp, comprising in combination: a generally cylindrical case having an open end, said case having a lamp-receiving zone spaced from and communicating with said open end; anda generally circular lamp retaining clip reversibly engaging said case intermediate said open end and said lamp-receiving zone, said clip having two sets of radially inwardly extending lingers for alternatively engaging the face of the lamp, said lingers respectively terminating in two axially spaced planes generally parallel to said clip, said planes being disposed unequal distances from said clip, said ngers of each of said sets being so constructed and arranged that one of said sets precludes movement of the lamp from said zone, whereby either of two lamps of different length may be alternatively held in said zone by one of said sets of lingers.

8. A housing for an electric lamp, comprising in combination: a generally cylindrical case having an open end,

said case having-.a lamp-receiving zone spaced from and communicating with said open end; a circumferential groove in said case intermediate said open end and said lamp-receiving zone, .said groove opening in an inward radial direction; and a vgenerally circular lamp-retaining clip reversibly engageable with said gnoove; said clip llaving two sets of radially inwardly extending lingers for alternatively engaging the face of the lamp, said lingers terminating in two axially spaced planes generally parallel to said clip, said planes being disposed unequal distances from said clip, said groove being spaced fromI said open end Iby a distance such that both of said axially spaced planes are disposed within said case, said lingers of each of said sets being so constructed and arranged that one of said sets precludes movement of the lamp from said zone, whereby either of two lamps of different length may be alternatively held in said zone by one of said sets of lingers.

9. A housing for an electric lamp, comprising in combination: a generally cylindrical case having an open end, said case having a lamp-receiving zone spaced from and communicating with said open end; said zone having two concentric axially spaced cylindrical portions of dilerent diameters for receiving alternatively lamps of two diameters; and a lamp retaining clipI reversibly engaging said case intermediate said open end and said lamp-receiving zone, said clip having two sets of radially inwardly extending lingers for alternatively engaging the face of the lamp, said lingers terminating in two axially spaced planes generally parallel to said clip, said planes being disposed unequal distances from said clip, said lingers of each of said sets being so constructed and arranged that one of said sets precludes movement of the lamp from said zone, whereby either of two lamps of dilerent length and diameter may be alternatively held in said zone by one of said sets of lingers.

10. A housing for an electric lamp, comprising in combination: a generally cylindrical case having an open end, said case having a lamp-receiving zone spaced from and communicating with said open end; said zone being of generally frusto-conical configuration, diverging toward said open end; and a lamp retaining clip reversibly engaging said case intermediate said open and said lamp-receiving zone, said clip having two sets of radially inwardly extending lingers for alternatively engaging the face of the lamp, said lingers terminating in two axially spaced planes generally parallel to said cli said planes being disposed unequal distances from said clip, said lingers of each of said sets being so constructed and arranged that one of said sets precludes movement of the lamp from said zone, whereby either of two lamps of different length and diameter may be alternatively held in said zone by one of said sets of ngers.

l1. A housing for an electric lamp, comprising in combination: a generally cylindrical case having an open end, said case having a lamp-receiving zone spaced from and communicating with said open end; circumferential groove means in said case intermediate said open end and said lamp-receiving zone, said groove means opening in an inward radial direction; a generally circular lamp-retaining clip reversibly engageable with said groove means; and two sets of lingers carried lby said clip and extending in a radially inwardly direction for alternatively engaging the face of the lamp, said lingers terminating in two axi-ally spaced planes generally parallel to said clip, said planes being d-isposed unequal distances from said clip; said groove means being spaced from said open end such a distance that both of said axially spaced planes are simultaneously positionable within said case; said fingers of each of said sets being so constructed and arranged that one of said sets precludes movement of the lamp from said zone, whereby either of two lamps of different length may be alternatively held in said zone by one of said sets of lingers.

(References on following page) 7 8 References Cited in the le of this paient 2,217,790 Boynton Oct. 15, 1940 I ED TATE PATENTS 2,347,055 1011118011 Apr. 18, 1944 UN T s S 2,491,170 EHS Dec. 13, 1949 1,043,933 Mddell De- 31, 1912 2,530,360 Price N0v 14, 1950 1,821,763 M111 S6111 1y 1931 5 2,785,291 Bernstein Mar. 12,1957 1,880,399 BenJarnln Oct. 4, 1932 

